Two people have been arrested following a crash and a wild fleeing driver incident at the bottom of the South Island on Wednesday morning.
Southern Prevention Acting Snr Sgt Michael Wingfield said in a statement a man crashed an allegedly stolen car on the Devil's Staircase near Queenstown at about 8:40am.
Snr Sgt Wingfield said after the man crashed the car, he was picked up in another vehicle that left the area.
He said the pair was spotted a short time later further south in Lumsden, Southland and failed to stop when signalled by police.
"The vehicle was located again, near State Highway 6 and Limehills-Browns Rd, and was followed under lights and sirens.
"However, as the vehicle travelled towards the Winton township staff decided to abandon the pursuit."
Snr Sgt Wingfield said the vehicle then travelled along Winton's Eglington St.
"Determined not to stop, the offending vehicle has driven up onto the footpath and headed north, passing a coffee cart and several pedestrians along the way.
"The vehicle has lost control while travelling on the footpath and grass verge adjacent to Great North Rd and driven into a patrol car, which was positioned on the corner of Great North Rd and Clyde St."
Snr Sgt Wingfield said the fleeing vehicle's occupants, a 31-year-old woman and 41-year-old man, were then arrested.
"It is extremely fortunate the public and the offenders themselves were not seriously injured as a result of this reckless driving behaviour."
On Thursday, the arrested woman was expected to appear in the Invercargill District Court facing charges including reckless driving and failing to stop.
Snr Sgt Wingfield said the man would appear in court next week charged with motor vehicle theft, resisting police and careless driving.
"These offenders have demonstrated a complete disregard for every other person who may have been using the road and footpath at this time."
Snr Sgt Wingfield said an investigation into the incident was continuing.
